There is much jubilation and rejoicing in the streets of Saint Vincent after the High Court ruled in favour of the opposition to allow the hearing of two elections petitions filed one year ago. The petitions were struck out by Justice Cottle in April 2016 based on a technicality but the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court reversed that decision noting apparent bias and requests that the case be heard by a different Judge in the High Court of Saint Vincent.

The government of Saint Kitts does not believe that any of its existing visa waiver arrangements are at risk despite a recent visa-free halt on Antiguans by Canada and recent concerns expressed by an EU official about the integrity of the Citizenship by Investment Programmes of the region. He went further to state that the programme in Saint Kitts is one of the most secure in the world, and greater emphasis is being placed on due diligence by his Administration.

Prime Minister Keith Mitchell, Incoming CARICOM Chairman and host of the 38th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government calls on the regional grouping to find similar modalities that work on a regional level and to also close the political distance with regional constituents. He mentioned the regional airline LIAT as an example, saying that the political presence involved is not helpful to its proper management and efficiency.

A new airline company has started service in the region, which now give passengers an added option of air travel. Trans Island Air which made its inaugural flight on 03 July will serve the islands of Barbados, Grenada, St Vincent, Dominica and St Lucia. The carrier also offers a private charter service option to fifteen Caribbean destinations. Prime Minister of St Lucia welcomed the airline because he believes that such will enhance business travel.

A local economist, Jeremy Stephen, says the decision by the Fair Trading Commission to halt the sale of the Barbados lone oil terminal to the Sol group will likely force the Freundel Stuart Administration to find revenue from other sources. He says the Government was relying on the US$100 million sale to boost up the country’s dwindling foreign reserves. Hence, he is predicting a greater tax burden on Barbadians.

In an effort to ensure that the city of Castries is kept safe, in the face of mounting criminal activities, two city police officers participated in an intensive security training course in Trinidad, where they joined other Caribbean colleagues. The Mayor expressed hope that the knowledge and expertise acquired will be put to good use in discharging their duties. He also says that more officers will benefit from similar training in the future.